Is it smarter to use a retailer's mobile app or their Web site to shop with them?

To measure a retailer's app versus its Web site requires a case-by-case approach. There's no global truth we can point to that says one is automatically superior or inferior to the other. That being said, with more people around the world buying devices like smartphones and tablets, it's possible that this could change as retailers try to court new customers. But today, you need to look at some specific factors.

First, what are your shopping habits? Do you tend to shop at only a few stores? If so, a retailer mobile app may be your best bet. Apps tend to be streamlined and easy to navigate -- they remove all the extra features you'd find on a Web site and focus more on transactions. But if you shop at lots of different stores, managing and organizing all those apps could be a headache. It may be easier just to use a Web browser -- a single app -- than to constantly switch back and forth between various retailers' apps.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the app versus the Web site. This will vary from one retailer to another. If you're using a mobile device exclusively to do your online shopping, the mobile version of a retailer's Web site might not be the easiest to navigate. But not all apps are created equal -- some may have bugs that limit the app's usefulness. Be sure to read user reviews of any app before you commit to one. It could save you from a headache down the road.

Finally, think about security. Any reputable retail establishment will treat customer security seriously. You'll be using some sort of payment process whether you're on an app or the Web. It's important that you look into how each retailer treats security issues. Don't assume that a retailer's app is more secure than its Web site or vice versa -- do some research. You may want to focus on Web sites and services that include security features like two-step verification.

Retailer apps offer us the promise of convenience. Just make sure that you practice good security habits when you shop, whether it's with an app or a Web site. Create strong passwords, change them regularly and keep track of your mobile devices.

Assuming mobile online shopping continues to grow in popularity, we should expect to see companies invest more money in supporting it. Many retailers are experimenting with apps that not only let you shop their inventory, but also incorporate features like customer rewards or price comparison and tracking. In the future, apps may be the clear winner in the online shopping industry. For now, an app's usefulness depends partly on the design of the app and a lot on your shopping habits.

Doing the Two Step

Two-step verification adds an extra authentication step when you log into certain sites or services. Typically, you would enter in a user name and password to log in. Then, the service would send a message containing a code to a designated device like a smartphone. You'd enter the code on your phone to access the site or service. With this method, a hacker would need access to your device as well as to your user name and password to do any damage.